And don't overlook the Apt Holman preamp.
Cheap Old Preamps
I'm helping a friend look for a cheap (under 100$) old (tubed would be great but not necessary) preamp, and was wondering if you all had some ideas for what to look for (probably on eBay). I've been tracking some Dynacos, but the tube ones tend to exceed our budget. Are the SS daynaco preamps just sucky? His sources include an AR/XA TT and a really old Cambridge CDP. Amplification is a 40 wpc (I think) SS McIntosh amp (model unknown). Thanks.
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The cream of the crop in this price range is the NAD 1020. Also look for the NAD 1155. You won't find a Linn for $100. The Apt/Holman is a truly excellent preamp but you would be lucky to get one for $100. More likely $150. They show up on ebay all the time. Avoid the solid state Dynaco PAT-4 and PAT-5 at all costs. Truly awful! |
A lot of the old tube pres are very decent and the market price reflects that as you say. If you get a tube pre at $100 it is very likely that it will need TLC and drive the price up after purchase even if it is advertised as in "working condition". Caps, etc.. need to be replaced after XXX years. If they have been replaced it will be over your price and if they haven't you almost have to expect to do it and that will cost $$$. $100 is tough for a decent reliable tube pre on the open market.. You could bump into a garage sale special. The Bottlehead Foreplay is a nice new pre at $150 with lots of ways to mod in the future. Foreplay If you're afraid of the diy work you probably do not want an old <$100 tube pre as you certainly do not want to pay for service. I don't know the SS market. Sincerely I remain, |
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